sparta ancient greece flag greek hoplite shield

Homer used the term to differentiate the formation-based combat from the individual duels so often found in his poems. The first usage of the term phalanx comes from Homer's ' φαλαγξ', used to describe hoplites fighting in an organized battle line. Ancient Egyptian infantry were known to have employed similar formations. Here the troops seem to have been equipped with spears, helmets, and large shields covering the whole body. The earliest known depiction of a phalanx-like formation occurs in the Sumerian Stele of the Vultures from the 25th century BC. This article focuses on the use of the military phalanx formation in Ancient Greece, the Hellenistic world, and other ancient states heavily influenced by Greek civilization. Many spear-armed troops historically fought in what might be termed phalanx-like formations.

Therefore, this term does not indicate a standard combat strength or composition but includes the total number of infantry, which is deployed in a single formation known as a 'phalanx'. The term itself, as used today, does not refer to a distinctive military unit or division (e.g., the Roman legion or the contemporary Western-type battalion), but to the type of formation of an army's troops. In Greek texts, the phalanx may be deployed for battle, on the march, or even camped, thus describing the mass of infantry or cavalry that would deploy in line during battle. Arrian uses the term in his Array against the Alans when he refers to his legions. The term is particularly used to describe the use of this formation in ancient Greek warfare, although the ancient Greek writers used it to also describe any massed infantry formation, regardless of its equipment. The phalanx ( pl.: phalanxes or phalanges) was a rectangular mass military formation, usually composed entirely of heavy infantry armed with spears, pikes, sarissas, or similar pole weapons tightly packed together. 2400 BC, from detail of the victory stele of King Eannatum of Lagash over Umma, called the Stele of the Vultures ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) JSTOR ( October 2012) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message).Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. This article needs additional citations for verification.

Sparta ancient greece flag greek hoplite shield